New coach most likely to succeed: We’re not here to say that DeWayne Walker will get New Mexico State to a bowl game for the first time since 1960 or anything crazy like that, but he’ll certainly get the Aggies on the right track. After capping off a seven-game slide with a 47-2 loss in the season finale at Utah State, New Mexico State has nowhere to go but up and they’ve got the right man to lead the charge. Trading in Hal Mumme’s offensive mindedness for Walker’s defensive toughness will serve the Aggies well as they take their first steps up the WAC ladder.

New coach most likely to fail: Lane Kiffin, the new boss in Knoxville, doesn’t have a chance. If he thought working for Al Davis was difficult, wait until he gets a taste of working within the SEC. Even though Carroll is one of his mentors, Kiffin is no Pete Carroll ... and the same can be said of Steve Sarkisian, who leaves the Trojans juggernaut behind and will attempt to resurrect woeful Washington.

Heisman hopefuls: Tebow should be going for the three-peat, but chasing a second Heisman will have to do. Bradford, of course, is seeking an encore. McCoy might have the upper hand in 2009, as voters have shown a desire to protect Archie Griffin’s legacy as the only back-to-back recipient.

Fellow quarterbacks Zac Robinson of Oklahoma State, Daryll Clark of Penn State and Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame are also on the early watch list, along with running backs Jahvid Best of California and Kendall Hunter of Oklahoma State.

Special feature Tebow time Take a look at Florida's star quarterback on and off the field. NBCSports.com

Sophomore streak: With Tebow becoming the first sophomore to win the Heisman in 2007 and Bradford making it two in a row in December, might the trend continue next season? Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who has added catching the football to his running and throwing exploits, certainly has a profile high enough to begin the season in contention. If he is able to lead the Buckeyes to a victory over USC at the Horseshoe on Sept. 12, Pryor will join Tebow and McCoy as early frontrunners.

Speaking of beating the Trojans ... how about Jacquizz Rodgers? The pint-sized Oregon State running back tore through USC for 190 yards as a freshman to lead the Beavers to a 27-21 upset in Corvallis last September. Best will receive most of the preseason hype as the running back to watch in the West, but Rodgers is just as fearsome.